Garo has manufactured electrical infrastructure in Sweden since 1939. Their Garo Entity Compact EV charger combines decades of engineering experience with modern connectivity and an extremely clean, minimalist design. We at Smista El have installed dozens of them over the past year — here is our honest assessment.
Specifications
| Feature | Garo Entity Compact |
|---|---|
| Max charge power | 22 kW (32A, 3-phase) / 7.4 kW (32A, 1-phase) |
| Cable type | Fixed cable (Type 2) or socket (Type 2) |
| Cable length (fixed) | 4.5 m or 7.5 m |
| IP rating | IP44 (outdoor use) |
| Connectivity | WiFi + Bluetooth |
| App | Garo Connect (iOS & Android) |
| Load balancing | Dynamic, via external CT sensor |
| Ground fault detection | Built-in 6 mA DC |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Manufactured | Värnamo, Sweden |
| Price (excl. installation) | approx. SEK 6,500–8,500 |
Why many choose the Garo Entity Compact
Slim design — at home in any modern property
The Garo Entity Compact is remarkably small and discreet. It weighs barely 1.7 kg and fits almost in the palm of a hand. Compared to older Garo models and competing chargers from ABB, the design is a generational leap. If you care about aesthetics — and most EV buyers in 2026 do — this is one of the best-looking options on the market.
Built-in ground fault detection
Since 2022, Swedish and European standards (IEC 62752) require EV chargers for home use to have built-in DC ground fault detection (6 mA). The Garo Entity Compact meets this requirement and more.
Practical implication: You do not need to buy a separate Type B RCD (residual current device) for the charger. A Type B RCD costs SEK 1,500–3,000 extra during installation — money you save with the Garo Entity Compact.
Dynamic load balancing — critical with demand tariffs
With today's demand tariffs (grid fees based on your highest peak power), load balancing can save SEK 200–600 per month on your network fee.
The Entity Compact supports dynamic load balancing via an external CT sensor (current transformer) mounted in the fuse box. The charger measures the home's total consumption in real time and automatically reduces charging power if you're cooking, running the tumble dryer, and the charger all at once — and increases again when consumption drops.
Important: The CT sensor is not always included in the price. Ask your installer to specify whether it is included.
Garo Connect app
The app is thoughtful and simple:
- View charging history and energy statistics per session
- Schedule charging to the cheapest hours (integrates with spot-price contracts)
- Share access with a partner or tenant
- Manage up to 50 charging points — ideal for housing associations and rental properties
V2G ready
The Entity Compact is prepared for V2G (Vehicle to Grid) and bidirectional charging — the technology that lets an EV feed electricity back to the home or grid during expensive hours. V2G is being rolled out in Sweden during 2025–2026. If your next car supports V2G (e.g., upcoming Volvo EX90, Hyundai Ioniq 5 V2G version), you're already set.
Garo Entity Compact vs. competitors
| Garo Entity Compact | Zaptec Go 2 | Easee Charge Lite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power | 22 kW | 22 kW | 22 kW |
| Built-in ground fault detection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Dynamic load balancing | ✅ (with CT sensor) | ✅ (with CT sensor) | ✅ (built-in, no CT) |
| Design rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| App rating (App Store SE) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Price incl. installation | SEK 13,000–17,000 | SEK 15,000–19,000 | SEK 12,000–16,000 |
| Price after 50% Green Tech | SEK 6,500–8,500 | SEK 7,500–9,500 | SEK 6,000–8,000 |
| Manufactured | Sweden | Norway | Norway |
Our verdict: Garo Entity Compact is an excellent choice if design and reliability are priorities and you're comfortable with a CT sensor for dynamic load balancing. Easee Charge Lite has a smoother load balancing solution (no CT sensor needed in most cases). Zaptec Go 2 generally has the best app ecosystem.
Cost estimate: What does installation cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Garo Entity Compact (with fixed 7.5m cable) | approx. SEK 7,500 |
| Installation (2–4 hours, certified electrician) | SEK 3,000–5,500 |
| Cable from fuse box to charging location | SEK 0–3,000 (depending on distance) |
| CT sensor for load balancing | SEK 800–1,500 |
| Total before deduction | SEK 11,300–17,500 |
| Green Technology deduction (50%) | -SEK 3,750–6,500 |
| Total after Green Technology | SEK 7,550–11,000 |
Note: The 50% Green Technology deduction applies to EV charger installation at a private residence. The deduction is applied directly on the invoice by the installer — you do not need to apply to the Swedish Tax Authority separately.
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We are certified Garo installers and help you choose the right cable routing, placement, and load balancing solution. We handle the Green Technology deduction directly on the invoice. Contact us for a free quote — we usually respond the same working day.
